Capt. James "Pete" Kennedy
Commanding Officer USS New York (LPD 21)
23 November 2020
A native of Texas, Capt. Kennedy graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 1996 with a B.S. in Systems Engineering. He received his wings as a Naval Aviator in October 1997. Upon completing initial P-3C Orion FRS training in August 1998, Capt. Kennedy joined the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron EIGHT where he completed a Mediterranean deployment and two Iceland/Caribbean deployments. During the Mediterranean deployment, Capt. Kennedy flew over 30 combat sorties in support of Operations NOBLE ANVIL and ALLIED FORGE. As a Fighting Tiger, he served as the Aviation Safety Officer and qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander, Mission Commander, and Instructor Pilot.
In April 2002, Capt. Kennedy reported to Commander, Task Force SEVEN TWO; and Commander Task Force FIVE SEVEN in Kami Seya and Misawa, Japan, where he served as the Senior Watch Officer, Assistant N5, Weapons Officer, and Assistant Tactics Officer. During his time on the staff, he was the primary planner for all Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
In July 2004, Capt. Kennedy reported aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the Assistant Navigator where he qualified Officer of the Deck (Underway and In-port), Command Duty Officer Underway, and Assistant Command Duty Officer in port. He also served as the Habitability Coordinator while the GEORGE WASHINGTON was in Planned Incremental Availability. Upon his departure from the GEORGE WASHINGTON he was honored as GEORGE WASHINGTON's selection as Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Ship Handler of the Year.
In September 2006, Capt. Kennedy reported to Patrol Squadron THIRTY serving as Administrative Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During this time, he qualified as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot and earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado State University.
In November 2007, Capt. Kennedy reported to Patrol Squadron FIVE serving as Safety NATOPS Officer, Training Officer, and as Operations Officer during a SEVENTH/FOURTH Fleet deployment.
In October 2009, Capt. Kennedy reported to PMA-205 as the P-8A Training Systems Lead at NAVAIR supervising a 2-billion-dollar budget with over 70 Training Devices and several thousands of hours of integrated aircrew and maintainer courseware.
In April 2012, Capt. Kennedy reported to the Grey Knights of Patrol Squadron FOUR SIX as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer. Following a deployment in support of CENTCOM, The Grey Knights were the recipients of the 2012 Battle E Award, CNO Safety Award, and Golden Wrench Award. In 2013, the Grey Knights were honored with their second consecutive Golden Wrench Award during their deployment to the PACOM Area of Responsibility.
In Jun 2014, Capt. Kennedy reported to the Joint Staff in Washington D.C and served as Branch Chief and Deputy Division Chief in J8/Forces Division responsible for global force management, global posture, force assessment, and force sufficiency.
In Aug 2019, Capt. Kennedy became the USS NEW YORK’s (LPD 21) eight commanding officer.
Capt. Kennedy's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (five medals), the Navy Achievement Medal (three medals), and various unit awards and campaign medals.